Why West Ham Don't Follow Modern Tactics
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ก.ค. 2024
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The broad football landscape has been trending in one direction, and the blueprint for a modern successful team is slowly falling into the same style: you build from the back, you hold on to the ball for the majority of the match, and you press the opposition high up the pitch. But then, there’s West Ham, they don’t press, they don’t build, they don’t even want the ball, and yet they’re having an incredible start to the season. But what’s their secret?
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#westham #davidmoyes #hammers #michailantonio #paquetá #tactics #football #soccer #premierleague #prem #westhamunited #uefaconferenceleague
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Chapters
00:00 Against the Run of Play?
00:19 The Blueprint of Modern Teams
01:12 European Success and Transfer Window
01:41 West Ham's Main Idea
02:36 Defensive Brick Wall
05:06 Deadly Counter Attacks
06:36 Set Piece Specialist
07:07 Where Will They Finish? - กีฬา
I'm not sure if their tactics will work as we get deeper into the season. Brighton did create a lot of chances, and Areola had an insane game. But it's exciting to see different tactics being applied in the epl compared to the generic ball playing style.
On expected goals we (West Ham) won by the same score line as the actual result. Brighton had more shots, but the quality of chances we created were far better. We had no fewer than four one-on-ones with their keeper, they had none.
It obviously doesn't work when you go a goal down
@@ltmundagreed moyes needs a plan b to go out there and attack the ball but feels like he doesn't do this
@@9dodger9excuses, this is not a reliable tactical system
Sure but West Ham could have easily won by 5 or 6 had Antonio and Benrahma not missed their chances which were both face to face with the goalkeeper.
In 2020-21, West Ham finished sixth after being unable to break down an Ancelotti low block against Everton. The following season they were in the top four by Christmas, failed to sign anybody in the January transfer window, then saw their league form drop off, finishing seventh. Last season Moyes attempted to implement a more possession-based style with Rice playing further forward, only to abandon it when relegation threatened. This season, when faced with a low block against Luton, Alvarez played as a proper CDM which allowed Paqueta and JWP to unlock the Luton defence. West Ham can now successfully play low block against the top sides and a more possession-based game against the lower sides.
Explained perfectly, coming from a West Ham fan
I think they fall off last season because they were more focused on winning the conference league and they did win it.
Explained perfectly, coming from a football fan in Sweden 😊
@@Stoneface_ nah, there were lots of different reasons as to our league form last season, mainly not having a settled defence for 6 months due to injuries, new players taking a few months to get acclimatized to the premier league and the loss of form of Bowen and Antonio.
In 2020-2021 West Ham beat Everton at Goodison 1-0 via a Soucek goal. They lost 1-0 at home on match day 35 not getting a shot on target.
I watched this match live because I love Brighton's style of play.
I couldn't believe what I was seeing, West Ham were an iron curtain, amazing defence, clinical counters
*iron* curtain
Masterclass Moyes ! His no mug 100% Moyes is one of the most experienced and best Managers in the Premier League 👏
@@YNEA. Yeah, I definitely meant to make that pun... (also me: write that down, write down!)
@@juned2001 I said one of you idiotic troll 🤣
Brighton are also incredibly overrated
Of course most people think of Mourinho when thinking of this style of play. It works well against possession-centric teams.
Simeone’s Atletico Madrid follow a similar style which works well in La Liga.
It’s all about winning, so whatever style helps you win a particular match is the style you should play.
It’s a a great way to exploit opponents’ high line, and this led to West Ham's Conference league win when they scored the winning goal over high pressing Fiorentina in the closing minutes of the game in a tried and true counter attack.
also morocco used a similar style of play if I recall correctly
Ancelotti won 2 Champions League titles at Madrid playing this way too against very attacking and talented teams, beat the favorite Guardiola teams twice. One could argue that had they had a proper left back last season, Bernardo Silva wouldn't have had such an easy time in the semis and it would have been a lot tighter like in 22.
@@PanteraRossathey won 2022 semifinal by a miracle. If they play that match 10 times, City wins It 8 out of 10.
Real Madrid was completely outplayed, didnt created any chances until the first goal.
They won because the mentality of the players, City collapsing mentality and some good luck.
I wouldnt say that was "ANCELOTTI" winning with that táctics. Or what, did he told them "dont do a single shot until on Target until minute 89 meanwhile Curtois makes the game of His life, then go all in with Rodrygo and win the game"??? Thats ridiculous.
@@rmv9194 Various styles can work. It depends on the situation. For ex, Man City have a hard time against Tottenham.
Also, see Japan vs Spain in the Women's world cup group state. Japan only had 22% possession but won 4-0! while that's perhaps rare, its interesting to analyze.
Ultimately it seems to be many factors that contribute to winning. And possession does not always mean "no long balls" as Man City actually play it long quite often to easily exploit an opponent's high line.
So perhaps a hybrid of approaches is the new norm.
Moyes > Mourinho in 2023. Moyes parked the bus better, counter-attacked better with none of the dressing room drama-queen shenanigan that comes with Mourinho
As a chelsea fan I was annoyed by their playing style because we couldn’t penetrate and breach their defense kudos to Moyes he’s doing a great job
For sure it was annoying yeah. If only that pen went in, things might have gone massively differently
Kudus 🇬🇭
Was impressed with Chelsea for the first half! Sterling will mean you finish top 6? 😂⚒️
Chelsea hates parking bus tactics is quite an irony
It's spelled Kudus, he's from Ghana
Ranieri won the League in 2016 with this sort of tight-between the lines organization, forcing the opponent to play on the wings and cross the ball, instead of making penetrating runs from midfield or through half-spaces.
Then they have a great midfield and attack. Antonio pivots well, Benrahma, Bowen, Paquetá have flair and Ward Prowse is a great passer.
Moyes seems to replicate Ranieri's title winning strategy
I *think* David Moyes *might* be inspired by what Morocco did tactically at the World Cup that brought them so much success.
Edit: For those that think I'm saying David Moyes was introduced to the general idea of defensive football by Walid Regragui I am not saying that at all. Don't be like some people in the replies who came hard with that thinking it was some kind of iron clad objection until it wasn't. 🤣
That was my first tought as well
He's been a manager in the EPL for decades. I think he probably knew about these tactics long before Morocco played a handful of games in the World Cup last December. Lol
@@nofurtherwest3474 yes, his 2012 Real Madrid is the perfect example as there were two forwards in his 2009/10 Inter. I haven't watched 2003/04 Porto live, so...
@@nofurtherwest3474 Nah, Mourinho uses a different tactic.
@@androidbluat Mourinho only uses one tactic? Lol
There are many ways to win a football game...and very effective strategy from West Ham, credit due. Personally i'd rather have the ball to potentially create more chances. Edson Alvarez + Ward Prowse makes them a much better team than say with Rice.
Excellent. I wasn't sure u would pick up on Alvarez's role tbf.... Its a great addition to our play because before him, Moyes would have the left winger tucking in as a left back when needed which unbalanced the team. Now everyone is where they should be.
I haven't seen that much football this year as a neutral,seen the second half of the Brighton game, was impressed with West ham's defense and how they were all working hard for Moyes system even though it's not that pretty, I think the difference the start of this season is the attacking players look refreshed, some of them looked burnt out last year but they are back on form, it looked like they were going to score every time they went near the Brighton goal.
I think Alvarez's beast air game also helps a lot, because it makes it impossible to try to lift the ball through.
I have always loved defensive tactics. Totally down for a resurgence of catenaccio as a response to ultra-possession teams!
Moyes 🤝 Simeone
That was awesome ^_^
I love hold-up play by strikers. I think it's an underratedly beautiful part of the game.
Moyes is definitely on to something. Their defensive structures are very aesthetically pleasing.
Also, your presentation is immaculate. Both wording and visualization.
I really dig your channel.
Have a nice one :)
@@norvenleiter2963🤣🤣
@@norvenleiter2963might not be pretty but u can’t call it shit if it’s working for now. without it we wouldn’t have won the uecl
Agreed ! It's an art and the lads are starting to understand it and even the supporters thanks to an amazing Analysis provided by this channel ! Thoroughly enjoyed watching and listening to that ! Spot on ! There are not many Premier League teams capable of this style of play or defending against it ! SMASH AND GRAB BABY 😂 Another team who plays the same style are us is Frieburg ! Watch them ! It's uncanny how similar our styles of play are to the crouts. C O Y I ⚒️
David Moyes is one of the most underrated managers of the last 20 years, and I don't say this ironically. While people took turns in raving about Howe, Potter and Dyche (whose greatest achievement was in a season scoring 36 goals in 38 games. lmao) Moyes has always been there, consistently getting solid results with similar sides, sometimes overachieving, without absolutely crashing and burning the way the others have. Was Moyes ever as flaccid as Dyche at Everton? No. Did he ever take a team, fail to develop it over years, and end with getting relegated (Howe)? No. When he got the chance to manage a huge team, did he absolutely go down in flames and finish 11th? No.
The only British manager over this time, and at this level, who has been as consistently solid is Hodgson, who is also never complimented. They'll never set the league alight or win a league title with Leicester, but they are proven over time to be superior to everyone else who gets the temporary hype.
2 types of players thrive in his system. Big CFs who can knock it down and score a few and goal scorers who are tweeners, not really forwards but not really midfielders either. You don't really need possession footie if you have a guy like Antonio knocking it down to 2-3 onrushing solid goal scorers. Actually by keeping possession you are often giving you goal scorers less space to attack.
Dyche got Burnley into Europe following years of consequetive promotions. He deserves his plaudits.
@@Motownisyourtown By boring everyone to death, then failing to build on it, then taking his team into the relegation spots before getting fired.
Moyes got a broke Everton into the CL (I'm sure they hate Collina to this day) and consistently remained in the top 7 for a decade. I fail to see any comparison between the two.
Some might be delusional enough to think Everton were a "big club" during this time, but Dyche for almost his entire time at Burnley had better forwards than Andy Johnson, Yakubu, Anichebe, Vellios. The best goalscorers in Moyes' team were a broken Louis Saha, and an out-of-position Fellaini. Still scored more, played better football, got better results. Dyche deserves nothing, he makes Moyes look like Sacchi.
@@YevOnegin No one is comparing anyone to anyone except you. I'just pointing out that Dyche did a phenomenal job at Burnley.
@@Motownisyourtown Its a competitive sport, comparisons are all that exist. The difference between 1st and 2nd are a comparison of points. The difference between viewers and empty seats is comparison of the quality of play.
I make this comparison specifically because Moyes has been a subject of derision even before taking the United job, while others who have done far worse have been lauded as the next great British manager. Its a fair comparison, and an example of the standard media bias that exists in the game, and that many fans, this comment section included, like to parrot.
Personally, I see no joy in 36 goals in a season. I'd rather finish 17th and see 60.
Might not be pretty but it has it's own kind of beauty! The discipline, on field communication, positional awareness and concentration off the ball is also just as skilled. Then to counter in devastating strikes is exciting and thrilling - and provides a relief to all the nerves. Yes the team may suffer much off the ball but are strangely in control - with excellent defenders - and when the defence is breached a world class goalkeeper. The Bowen goal in particular was a thing of beauty, WHU are not a one trick pony though - they have set pieces as well - and when needed have the players to unlock a low block defence. COYI
I think the fluidity of Moyes in yesterday Luton games by playing posession ball too telling me that he doesn't always play this kind of haram ball. Instead, he suit what he need with whom West Ham gonna face. If its average teams, he wanted to dominate, but with a bigger teams, he made some plans
Of course, a manager studies his opponents, it doesn't make sense to play the same way against all teams
@@PalestinianVictory96been doing it for the better part of 3 seasons now lol
Another really good video. Teams that I think play a similar style are Inter Milan and Union Berlin, granted they played 3/5 back formations instead. They both love to use that hybrid man marking scheme in the midblock to prevent all of the opponents progression
3:57 is a perfect example of the matchup zone defense in basketball. I've always loved the idea of passing off a player to another teammate. This idea of defending is really good if you're someone who believes in team defending with high intensity on-player, low-intensity in spaces and over-helping secondary defenders
As a West Ham fan and qualified coach, it's very nice to see this video, thank you. Although watching this approach is personally not exciting for me, especially when we don't have the ball.
I'm a sad United fan, I took to supporting my Grandad's team Brighton on the side. Couldn't believe what I was watching, I could see from the start that Brighton didn't know how to react.
In the second half they tried even harder, and even a noob like me could see that they would get tired, they couldn't even chase down that last goal, half gave up from exhaustion
Can confirm, really successful tactic to winning in FUT 👌 Also doubling your xG in a season is impressive af imo.
Great analysis, yet again
My favorite channel. Much love from South Africa 🇿🇦
I love this channel, what a breakdown of tactics.
Yep, sounds about right. A point you didnt really pick up on is west ham strength from set pieces defensively and offensively. Tall, strong players who are good in the air. Last year west ham won fair play award PL...already this season we picked up about 9 yellows/1 red, so chances are we will be way more ruthless in the tackle.
We also won the fair play one year under Allardyce and qualified for Europe as a result.
Great analysis. There is a lot to be said for West Ham's tactics. No playing out from the back and losing the ball in your own final third. A low block and no space between the lines will of course mean it's hard to get through but conversely you won't be able to keep possession as illustrated in the match stats, but if you have a player is good at holding it up as West Ham do in Antonio then with speedy wingers a counter attack can be very much on. Stoke City under Tony Pulis played a similar style. Long ball up the field from the keeper or defense and they were comfortable not having possession knowing their defense and midfield were so good at soaking up the pressure and then countering. And under Pulis when the ball went out of play for a throw in or free kick the ball almost always went forward!
Ah, the good ol' Delap ball. The master of throw ins and four CB at the back. Pulis is a revolusiner.
Maybe you could do some comparison stats for head-to-head matches of highly "possession oriented vs counterattacking" teams. I remember Brendan Rogers tried to play possesion model without good enough results so in leicester he'd changed game model. Still possession model might give better "winrate" in table points. But it requires suitable players with suitable skill sets, longer learning span to establish decent levels of connections, cooperation and understanding between players.
shoutout jarrod bowen. his quality allows them to play this way to a certain degree. unheralded hero imo
I respect your channel. Big ups 2 you 4 this!
Very interesting. I wasn't going to watch the West Ham game this evening against Luton, now I think I have to!
Props to Paquetá in this team, he's definitely a player made for ball possession game, put with his physicality both on the attack and the defense he can fit the defensive counter attack, while being great at retaining possession of the ball paqueta can also play the high risk passes of west ham style he's an amazing all around player
Can you do an analysis specifically focused on principles of phases and transitions, and illustrate that with a freely available match online like FA Cup final like Manchester City v. Manchester United? If you can combine it with change in formations during a match that would be a huge bonus! 🙏🙏🙏🙏
Fantastic video thank you! Im hoping we can finish top 6 again and at least get to the quarters/semi in the Euopa league. I would love to keep this European campaign going as long as possible.
A prime example of buying players to suit your system instead of just buying good players.
I enjoyed your video good job.
A bit disappointed Mourinho wasnt mentioned lol
Brobbery from ajax can be a very good option for hold up play
Solid analysis. Would like to see your take on Unai Emary's new Villa.
Reminds me of Japan in the 2022 World Cup when they defeated Germany and Spain despite having 26% and 17% possession respectively, and half the shot attempts as the opposition.
Bro this channel explains everything so clearly 💜
Needs the right mentality. Can be brutally frustrating to never touch the ball, but if you're fine with that.
Very smart and accurate analysis, my compliments!
GREAT Video! Thanks a lot🤝
Can you share please, what programs where used to create this video overall? I do football analytics and really want to create such videos for my team.
Very good analysis! Thank you!
Good video, very informative👍
Excellent video thanks.
Great analysis!
What software do you use to edit the video? It's so goodddd
Amazing review. Good job. Soccerment is great!
Great analysis 👏
Great analysis 👍 👏
Roy Hodgson played this system when at West Brom and made us a team that played well above our strengths, I miss that manager and team .
Great video, love the tactical breakdown. I predict at top 8 finish for West Ham (2023/24 season). They should definitely be trying to push for a European spot though. I worry about their squad depth since they are in Europa, but certainly a better position with the sale of Rice to pick up more talent.
Excellent analysis.
This style of playing works very well against possession-obsessed teams, and exceptionally well in tournaments. But in a season it's diffucult to keep that intensity as the season matures, injuries and the addition of international games will complicate the situation. All in all a well thought tactic for a team like west ham, but in the end the more games to be played the more likely that teams with more balance and the willingness to "play football" (not players) will be superior
Interesting video. I’m curious to see how this works against Pep since he’s been utilizing players that can dribble and not necessarily have to pass the ball to break lines.
Great video!
Pep keeps that 3v1 or 3v2 advantage in flanks, to either work some magic or cut it back to either Rodri or in previous seasons Gundogan to fire it in.
If they can hold out for 115 minutes, with approximately 15% of the play, 3 shots v 30, then they might get a 0-0 draw……or, they will get thumped 5-0….
2 more set piece goals added yesterday - edit: 1 set piece, the other was open play
Areola JWP and Antonio is essential to this system
next video can you explain how and/or if this will work against Liverpool?
Fantastic video.
Which software do you use make these videos man?
Moyes seems to excel at getting the best out of good, solid professionals with a strong team ethos. He was out of his element with the primadonnas at Man U, but seems to be blossoming in the more family atmosphere of West Ham.
Beautiful breakdown
As an arsenal fan from Hackney, i have always had an affinity with West ham. They play to their strengths and the dont ever get above there station. David Moyes has them well drilled and everybody understands theres roles. They dont play the same as any other team which leaves them as a somewhat bogey team beacause you dont often go up against their style of play. With the players available i think Moyes is doing a great job and keeping WH a competitive team.
Great video
Happy to get as many points as we can before we get figured out / Antonio gets injured
West Ham bastarding their way to a top 6 finish this year under Super David Moyes
Chelsea will be calling Moyes soon....
Football management isn't all about tactics. Things are going well for West Ham at the moment but they will lose a match or two at some point. When a top manager loses a match his team usually bounce back with a win. Moyes sometimes seems to struggle with this and a loss can often lead to a losing run.
Possibly, but thankfully under Moyes, we don´t ship that many goals - we normally lose these days by a single goal, sometimes 2 - but not like in the óld´ days. So, these are good for our overall GD and the pressure that that can generate on a team that loses confidence becuase of relegation worries. We operate more tightly & it picks up a number of extra points in.a season and wins us extra places in the league, we have become much more effective (though not (much) prettier strangely). Hopefully Moyes maintains focus in the team and players, because oin the past we would have slipped, lost confidence and motivation and just then gone on to lose games and/or more goals. If we maintain a solid defence set-up we should be well-placed to compete well again this season!
This channel is the best !! Better than Tifo irl or Athletic
Tifo is a joke, tbh. They're so biased towards Premier League, and their weird viewers are more interested in their haircuts and dressing styles rather than what they say.
Well.. The quality of the animation 👌🏽
good analysis
Proper defending is truely beautiful!
It's a very good and effective, tactically defensive well thought out way of watching paint dry
This is basically the tactic Morocco employed in the WC. I was surprised to not see this adopted earlier.
Is this similar to Notts Forest under Clough in the 70s? Close marking in their own half, gave the opposition space up to the half way line, massed defence, very little of the ball, fast wingers and a big centre forward. It was effective then but tedious and frustrating to watch.
I really like the diversify of tactics
Please what app do you use for the animation?
What is this app or software for football tactics explanations?
Do a video of field tilt
As a West Ham fan it will leave West Ham comfortably mid table 8th - 10th, with some luck and performances else where could take them up to 6th at a push. These tactics are great when dealing with the Chelsea, Brighton, Man City, United, Liverpool's of the world, but as we find out tonight might not be so effective again Luton, or Everton, or team who seek to do the same, both teams can't defend at the end of the day... so we will need a plan B, does Moyes have one? we will see.
Side not I would like to see a video on how you think we will Kudus, or any new strikers coming in?
Last thing to mention, it only effective while you get results, with this anti football or possession football will course unhappy players and fans when the results go against you, as the West Ham faithful have be brought up on having a go, and putting foot on the ball, and surprising bigger teams, so only having passion for 27%, on an average of 56mins in play, I like watching your team play for 15 mins on a 90 min games... should call for a discount on your ticket. Imagine going to see a film and only seeing the star for the first 5 mins, middle 5 mins, and last 5 mins, and the rest of the movie everyone else... you would not be happy.
You say you've been brought up on having a go but I mostly remember you being a bit shit? Mid-table or bottom half and winning nothing. And mostly not getting close to winning anything. You've got a good manager and a well-organised team that is becoming a fixture in European competition, and you want a discount on your season ticket because you didn't have enough possession in a game you comfortably won 3-1 away from home against a team that came in the top 6 last season. Get in the sea.
shitting myself about tonight tbh lol
Also, as a West Ham fan, I mostly agree with you. This style of play is effective against certain teams, and it is good to have it in your locker. However, being reliant on this style can be detrimental if you don't have a plan B.
I would rather see a game like the one against Brighton, where we end up with many clear-cut chances, and should have won by more than just 3-1, rather than a game where we dominate possession, but only end up with weak half-chances, or ambitious long shots, and maybe only score 1, ultimately drawing or losing.
To extend this to your film analogy, use "The Silence of the Lambs", the stand-out performer, and star of the film, was Anthony Hopkins. He was amazing, terrifying, and impactful. The film's success was absolutely dependent on his performance. He was on-screen for 16 minutes of the total 118 minute film.
There is absolutely a time, and a place for this style. And, when it works, its brilliant. However, if you don't have an alternative, it becomes easier to counter, and less successful.
After beating Chelsea and, finally, beating Brighton, the Luton game will be interesting.
Have been saying same thing since chelsea game its great when it comes off , but both cfc bhafc had plenty of chances still Areola was brilliant both times but it wont always go your way and at least 8 teams maybe more if they feel good way to nulify our counters definitely need plan B & C.
West Ham to win the premier league, good old fashioned Moyesball and kisses from the gaffa to stun a complacent Guardiola
Bro, video is great and stuff, but please do something with those sound effects, it's really causing a headache with those scratchy sounds
Your videos RULE!!!!
that's how we play on my Sunday league... we were 4-3-3 but we changed to a 4-5-1 (defensive mode) and we let them have the ball but we are lethal in counter attacks with my pacey wingers
Bro ...what software are you using to bring these diagrams to life?
Moyes is a genius.
This reminded me of San Lorenzo's tactics from Argentina.
Yes they show it yesterday with Olypiacos - they really don;t need the ball to play :D
Nice vid
It seems that this is what Ten Hag was trying to do at the start of the season but without a real target man it quickly fell apart, should be interesting to see how Ten Hag responds after the international break with Højlund, a natural target man, and hopefully Amrabat available as well playing as a single pivot.
i dont even like football that much, but im loving this content serie about tactics
What tactic board are you using?
I am not sure this is guaranteed to last. You can exploit this strategy with sideways transitions that top clubs like City and Arsenal are really capable of. Someone like Wolves who can be surprisingly aggressive can also bite this strategy. The whole gegenpress/high line/posession football needs to be toned down, so I am glad West Ham is doing this.
It means that the opposition team either needs to score a worldie from long range / create a nailed on chance to score a goal (very hard) or force a mistake from West Ham defender (Slightly easier) - This gamble from Moyes' system means the defensive players cannot make mistakes otherwise they will be punished. Watch this season for when West Ham do lose games - it'll likely be in part due to positional or concentration error of one or more players.
Or giving away stupid penalties.@@ASOXO
Top clubs, like Arsenal? - hahaha had to stop reading after that!
Diego Simeone entered the chat
Moyesian ball is a sight to behold.
Moyes is more intelligent than most people give him credit for. Look at the way he took Brighton apart. He finds weaknesses and takes advantage.
To be fair it was his 13th attempt at beating them.
West hams 13th attempt.. not moyse's
This is exactly my philosophy of football, narrow, fast, direct to goal and efficient, so much that almost every pass and action leads to the opponent's goal, and I reserve my energy for the right moments, and allow the opponent to keep caressing the ball for me. If I ever become a coach, this will be my model, after all the goal is at centre, so why waste the ball to the sides?
Pep laughing
Overall these tactics dont work over a long season. Conceding that much control only works in specific and one off games.
This is a great tactic against the bigger sides and in cup competitions.
I think they'll end up somewhere in the 15-10th position this season. They have managed to get the right players in the last couple weeks after struggling to make any moves. They should really stay away from Mctominay and Maguire and make astute siginings like they've done so this summer.
Id personally go for Hincapie from Leverkusen to cover both cb and lb positions and Billing from Bournemouth. These 2 players are gettable with the Rice money and they'd upgrade their game.
Wrong
It will be interesting to see if Moyes' love affair with Soucek continues with him starting every game. You'd think Alvarez is going to be first on the team sheet as the defensive midfield one, with Soucek as backup. JWP, Paqueta and Bowen would seem nailed on to start most games with Ant up front. That leaves only one midfield spot between Benrahma, Fornals, Soucek and Kudus.
There´s a lot of games and different competitions in our season. We will need variation and rotation - they all should get their time and be able to make good contributions, it´s the art of timing and knowing when the different systems and tactics are most appropriate & vary them as best as possible or feasible (ph yeah, an hoping bloody VAR does a decent job etc especially against the Big 6!)
David Moyes: If you can kick a ball you fit the system
Great explanation setting out an explanation of why with Ward-Prowse has made WHUtd so much more dangerous. As a counter attacking team even though they sold a generational player in Rice.
Only omitted his Freekick delivery which like Beckham when Man Utd was so dominant.
Oppositions were always reluctant to commit fouls even avoiding committing a - take one for the team Foul. Except on a 3 on 1 break away as the delivery from wide areas and conversion rate of direct free kicks to goals. Meant that moves were not stifled by break up move free kicks.
Ward Prowse is just behind Golden Balls record of direct free kick goals. And with no disrespect to Southampton, with more proficient players around him at WHU he will doubtless get the opportunity this season to take David Beckham’s record
Moyes is only reverting to what worked 2 years ago. The problem is when you know West Ham can only hurt you with set pieces or forcing an error from a counter it becomes easier to mitigate this. West Ham really needed to sign a striker as Antonio has always had these little purple patches of form before it then disappears or he gets injured.
Nice tactics. As long as they win, whatever tactics is okay. Possession is not always good, especially if you don't have the technical players in your team. Moyes builds a good system, buys the suitable players to make the system works, not the overpriced 100m stars. Good manager, good team. Also, good analysis by the channel!
I just love that we are becomming the team that everyone else don't want to play.
Lol!!! Wait until you play ruthless Man City !